The Ligurian Coast from Genao to Lucca is one of my favorite regions of la bel’Italia. I’ve spent some quality time here and can attest the area is filled with excellent rides along the coast and into the mountains that define it. This ride from Levanto to Sestri Levante is a classic, and takes in the Passo del Bracco on the stage route.The Ligurian Coast is a well visited region for the Giro, with a wonderful mix of uneven climbs, small twisting roads, and spectacular scenery – excellent for riding and training. This also means riders will need to be focused on the job at hand, (so don’t expect any sleepy sprinters’ stages here) but the roads can be dangerous too… Wouter Weylandts was killed in a crash descending the Passo del Bocco in the 2010 Giro.Im in Levanto 34kms into tomorrows TT stage heres how it looked at 9:30 this morning.I’ve ridden in the area several times – including 2009 when the Giro ran an individual time trial from Sestri Levante to Rio Maggiorre in the famed Cinque Terra region to the east. That day was steaming hot, and the coastal humidity made it even more so. I did this ride the day before the TT – and would gladly do it again. Here’s a fond look back…—————–2009 Giro, Roadside St. 11: My efforts to get ahead of the race paid off today with a Top Ride in the hills around Sestri Levante, which was exactly what Id planned…
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